Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Minoru

    4.5 (65 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    Order Minoru Takeout or Delivery

    Minoru Photos

    MINORU ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    More like Minoru

    Recommended Reviews - Minoru

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Wagyu donburi set
    Diana S.

    Food quality is good and everything was delicious - tonkatsu ramen, scallop ceviche, wagyu donnuri set and kaisen don. Service was great and ambiance is wonderful. The only complaints are the small portions and the desserts were basic- we tried 3 different parfaits.

    Kaisen don
    Kathy M.

    Food is amazing-- we had the kaisen don, aji and fig , eel over rice, curry, tempura, tea service. We made a reservation for a table bur since the place was not filled when we arrived we also had the option of taking a booth, which we did. Simple and cozy interior, friendly and amazing service, restrooms are clean. Option for tip on the check starts at 25%, but you can of course choose your own and write it down, just FYI. Street parking, town parking lot, and a 2 minute walk to Somedays Bakery if you fancy some great desserts :)

    Suzette S.

    To celebrate my daughter and son's November birthdays we made reservation at Minoru in Montclair. Enjoyed a delicious feast! Staff attentive! And friendly. Our Server Christine T was great! My son ordered Hitsumabushi- The Manager came to our table to explain this dish. Hitsumabushi is a traditional Nagoya, Japan, dish of grilled eel (unagi) served over rice, famous for being eaten in four distinct ways. Impressive dish! Mocktails available! BYOB Street metered parking!

    Udon
    Molly E.

    Came here for our wedding anniversary and had a lovely time. Food was delicious, the restaurant itself is in the second floor and feels like something you would find in Manhattan, and the service was amazing. Additionally, they gave us a free dessert (with a candle in it) for our anniversary and that was such a nice gesture. I look forward to returning!

    Hitsumabushi
    Greg D.

    Minoru is North Jersey's hottest new upscale Japanese restaurant. Authentic cuisine, refined and elevated. The perfect spot for date night or dinner with friends. Tucked away on the second floor, it feels like an instant escape to Japan--where every dish is packed with incredible flavor. One visit won't be enough. The staff takes the best care of you and helps guide your experience. Check out our full visit here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUj2jX7jczE/?igsh=N3BhazJ2Mnh6Z25h

    Hitsumabushi

    Good food. Good service. BYOB. Seating is cramped. Parking lot in the back. Very expensive. Beware that their default tip amount on the check is 25%/28%/30%

    Elvi T.

    Amazing food, good vibe. Especially loved the corn with Parmesan cheese shavings and both the unagi and beef bowls we got. Family friendly, but also good for friend gatherings or even dates!

    Soba Tempura Hot
    Heather L.

    Japanese cuisine not focused on sushi? Umm yes! This upstairs spot with exposed brick and warm inviting atmosphere is a welcome addition to Valley rd. They CJ the kitchen is open concept - they have very private booths which are super nice. Waitstaff are helpful and attentive. The food is top notch. I tried the Soba Tempura Hot for $28 which was delicious. The shrimp tempura was perfectly fried and crispy. It was also presented well and was a big portion especially given it was lunch. My only criticism was that there is no lunch menu or lunch prices.

    Pork bao
    Joseph P.

    Minoru, the new Japanese spot in Upper Montclair, is already making waves--and for good reason. The tonkatsu ramen is rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. I went for the spicy version, which had a nice kick without overwhelming the delicate broth, while my friend had the classic tonkatsu--comforting and perfectly balanced. We also shared a seaweed and cucumber salad, light and refreshing, and a melt-in-your-mouth roast pork bun that was gone in seconds. The quality of the ingredients and care in preparation really shine through in every dish. That said, lunch for two came to just under $100, which makes it a splurge for a midday meal. Still, if you're craving high-end ramen and polished Japanese small plates in a cozy setting, Minoru is worth the visit--just don't expect casual prices.

    Katsu curry
    Jackson W.

    Minoru is an upscale Japanese eatery in the heart of downtown Montclair. We came here for lunch and left stuffed and impressed. The service was great and the restaurant has a nice vibe to it. In terms of the food, the highlight for me was the hitsumabushi, which is Nagoya style grilled eel over rice. It's $68 which is certainly very pricey, but the dish was truly amazing. We also ordered the miso cod set, a Nabeyaki udon, a katsu curry, and a couple of appetizers. All were good to very good.

    Nabeyaki Udon
    Philip Y.

    Very good Japanese cuisine with great presentation. The decoration and food containers used for each dish were really pretty and unique. However, the price you paid was higher than the value of the meal.

    Elizabeth L.

    The space is sleek, intimate and welcoming. Up the narrow staircase you enter a space that transports you to a different place from where you just entered from. There are several tables around the space with maybe 4-5 booth areas along the wall. We stopped by for a 12 PM lunch on a Friday and it was already pretty full for just opening. Now to the food: Mentaiko Pasta (3/5) Excellent presentation and well cooked, I took off points mainly based on preference. It's a bit too heavy on the mayo taste for me which as a stand alone dish could be a overwhelming. Would recommend pairing with something else (which we did) and share with someone. Definitely filling. Agedashi Tofu (5/5) Superbly cooked and great balance of all the elements. YUM! Wagyu Fried Rice (4/5) Excellent and another substantial dish. I only took away one star because it was quite oily. Taste and flavor profile was awesome and ample ratio of rice to other ingredients. Shareable. Reminder it is BYOB and would recommend a reservation as it's pretty small. Street and parking lot in the area.

    Mushroom bun
    Gloria L.

    No words except you must give this Japanese restaurant a try! Their grand opening is march 3rd so if you plan to stop by before then, definitely make a reservation. I would still encourage you to make a reservation because I have no doubts that this restaurant will become popular in the future! I made a reservation for 12 pm and my dining experience was elevated entirely by the manners of the team. Richard, the host, greeted me as soon as I came in with a huge smile on his face. My server, Kelly, was so attentive the entire time, making sure I had everything I needed and refilled my water every time it ran low. I had the honor of meeting the owner, Meji and the chef, Tyler I cannot say enough great things about food. I ordered the mushroom bun, wagyu tataki, and ebi katsu curry. - MUSHROOM BUN: definitely the star of the show. I've never had anything like it. If you like mushroom, you will love this. The parm shaved on top was such a great addition - WAGYU TATAKI: the ponzu sauce wasn't too tarte and the wasabi zest wasn't overpowering. The wagyu was thinly sliced which made for the perfect bite size. All the flavors mixed perfectly together - EBI KATSU CURRY: I love love curry and this met my expectations. It did have a little spice but it wasn't too spicy for me. The shrimp that came with it is like shrimp tempura. Super crispy. The pickled radish they put goes so well with each bite of rice&curry - Minoru matcha tiramisu: loved all the layers. Not too sweet Everything thing from the service, to the minor details like the light on the table, floral decor, gold utensils for the main course, mini wooden spoon for the dessert, a hot towel when you're seated to wipe your hands, is so worth experiencing. I will definitely be back to try other items on the menu! Street parking :(

    Hitsumabuchi

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    18 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Y S.
    0
    81
    429

    8 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Elvi T.
    1254
    755
    1730

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    21 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 1

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ms F.
    16
    301
    262

    9 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of L K.
    0
    2
    3

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brian L.
    722
    1198
    3041

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of lee m.
    55
    417
    1016

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dodie G.
    51
    18
    115

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cookie W.
    6
    130
    296

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of A C.
    0
    3
    4

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Mike B.
    193
    61
    65

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Richard C.

    Richard C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Minoru

    Is there a lunch menu?

    We provide lunch set only for dine in only Monday - Friday 12pm. - 3.30pm.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Sando Cafe

    Sando Cafe

    (23 reviews)

    $$

    Absolutely loved Sando Cafe - everything was 10 outta 10…read more The space is really tiny and cozy. I'd imagine they do a good amount of takeout business. We were able to snag a table though which was nice! A katsu sando is a must and the crispy fried chicken was perfection. I've had sandos a few times and don't always see an egg on it. I really liked this! Sharing a sando and a few small plates was the perfect meal. We also loved the pork gyoza, seaweed salad and fried potato croquettes. They have some really fun drinks that come in the cutest branded cup. Loved the sweet peach tea! Service was super friendly and overall this was a great pick for a delicious lunch in Montclair.

    Sando Cafe is a small spot with about four tables and a bit of counter seating -- likely better…read moresuited for takeout than dining in. Service was very friendly and attentive. They even have cute little buttons on the tables you can press to buzz for service, which was a nice touch. My daughter had the Ebi Udon soup and I ordered the Katsudon. Everything tasted fine. The issue wasn't flavor -- it was how filling the meals were. Both dishes felt light for dinner. The Katsudon was mostly white rice (probably three-quarters of the bowl) with pork cutlet on top. It was tasty, but halfway through I felt like I was just eating rice. They do have a restroom in the back for customers, and there's no credit card fee (yaay). Overall, decent food and very nice service -- just better suited for a light lunch than a full dinner before a show.

    Umai Omakase - Chopped Eel and Avocado

    Umai Omakase

    (139 reviews)

    $$

    Small restaurant in a strip mall, this location is easy to miss! We opted for the full omakase menu…read morewhich includes a starter of edamame. The truffle salt edamame was delicious!!! Sitting at the sushi bar, we were ready to EAT! Just absolutely loved every bite... most fish is flown in from Japan! The simplicity of each bite allows you to appreciate the freshness of the fish. Thankfully, we were the early seating, as the restaurant was packed by the time we were finished. Service was good and didn't rush us out the minute we ate the last bite... refreshing!

    Finally got to try the Omakase at Umai although my husband wanted à la carte so we couldn't go with…read morethe sushi bar. Fish was fresh and delicious. I went with the 12 piece Omakase without Eel and enjoyed every piece (no soy sauce or wasabi, just chefs choice). My husband loved the Umai Big Special roll. Service was great. No rushing like many NJ restaurants and very helpful servers. Our high top table was right next to the sushi bar so we could see and hear what was going on. Next visit I definitely want to be at the bar. The restaurant is small and intimate. Definitely lots of "regulars" with relationship with the owner/chef. He was very friendly to us from afar. I would love to be a regular, it's just too pricey for my weekly budget but definitely worth every penny. If you eat sushi in NJ you've got to try it. Plus there's a great video about the restaurant and owner I found online.

    MM by Morimoto - Kushiage app with Bonsai Bloom drink

    MM by Morimoto

    (98 reviews)

    Finally was able to get around to trying Chef Morimoto's New Jersey venture. On arrival, We did…read morehave a reservation and we were seated immediately upon arrival. The Space: gorgeous space inside. Very modern looking, clean and inviting space. Service: excellent service, from the front of house, to our server, to all the other staff, everyone was attentive and knew the dishes inside and out. Drinks: I had the Tokyo smoke, which was a solid Smokey whiskey sour, was very delicious. My wife had the sake verra matcha, which she also loved it was like a refreshing take on an espresso martini with matcha instead. Would definitely recommend. Food: Toro tartare - small starter, excellent taste, the dashi it was sitting in was very delicious, really enjoyed the crunch with the caviar. Overall solid dish Surf and turf roll: really delicious roll, they blowtorch the roll in front of you. Has so much flavor and the meat just melts in your mouth. Main dish: my wife and I opted for the special Which was a marinated coulotte cut of beef, cooked to perfection, was the perfect mix of sweet and savory, the pickled ginger and wasabi added such a great element to the dish. Sides: if my mother made broccoli like this, I probably would not have been so picky growing up, would absolutely recommend. And I cannot say enough about the 100 layer potato gratin, must try. Dessert: we tried the tiramisu, unfortunately I think this is skippable. Not enough coffee flavor, just have had better. Overall great experience, it is definitely on the expensive side, the food and service were great, cannot say that I would do the tiramisu again though. Otherwise, would recommend for a special event or special dinner for sure!

    Space is pretty expansive with private rooms, bar, booth and table seating…read more The booths along the back wall are against a large screen which could be a bit of sensory overload for those facing it. Other than that everything was really comfortable and music and overall ambience was enjoyable and allowed for conversation. Staff was helpful and friendly while also not making us feel rushed to order. We had a round of drinks 2 apps and entrees. Their take on the Negroni was really refreshing, strong but not in a way that overpowered the drink. Tuna pizza (5/5) I really enjoyed the thin wafer they used and topped with ample tuna and fresh garnish and jalapeños for a nice kick Soft shell crab roll (4/5) it was yummy morning spectacular in terms of value/price but executed well Black cod (5/5) really outstanding, flaking off at the touch of the fork, great caramelization and seasoning without being too much tender deliciousness! MORE PLEASE! Parking is a valet, a paid lot across the street or street parking. I would probably reserve this spot for a special occasion vs just a regular night out but appreciated feeling like we were somewhere else for a bit. They did a nice job of making it feel like you stepped into a new and sophisticated space without being pretentious.

    Nami Nori - Vegan Temaki

    Nami Nori

    (162 reviews)

    Nami Nori in Montclair was such a great experience from start to finish. Walking in, the ambience…read moreimmediately stood out, the space has a picturesque Japanese aesthetic that feels both modern and calming. It's the kind of place that feels thoughtfully designed without trying too hard. Our waiter was incredibly welcoming and friendly, which set a great tone for the meal. For drinks, we ordered the Raspberry Moon and a matcha latte. Both were colorful, well-presented, and really tasty, a nice way to start the meal. The food itself was an experience. We ordered the temaki set and got to learn how to assemble our own hand rolls, which made the meal interactive and fun. The sushi arrived in a beautiful presentation and everything tasted fresh and high quality. Overall, it was a memorable dining experience with great service, creative drinks, and delicious food. Definitely a spot worth checking out in Montclair.

    Hand roll heaven! I booked this spot for a weekday birthday dinner for my friend for 7 people (5…read moreadults + my two kids, 9 and 11) on OpenTable. The reservation required a credit card but I was able to mention a birthday. We were seated right away at a nice window table with a bench, which made it easy to fit everyone. We ordered a bunch of small plates and not a single miss: Tuna Crudo -- fresh, simple, and kid-approved Japanese Potato Salad with Ikura -- lightly creamy with a salty, briny pop Asari Clam Soup -- loaded with clams, miso; buttery and comforting Furikake Cottage Fries -- hot, round crispy ridges with a ketchup-y dip, very snackable for everyone Spicy Tuna Dip -- gone in about 60 seconds For the temaki (hand rolls), they recommend 5 per person. They do something a little different and honestly pretty fun. The fillings come out on flat sticks in a wooden holder (kinda like a taco stand), and you get boxes of nori (seaweed sheets) on the side. You slide the filling onto the seaweed yourself and eat it right away, so everything stays nice and crisp. It's a little DIY, but in a good way. While they offer 3 Temaki preselected sets, you can also order a la carte. I went with the Signature Set (tuna poke, XO scallop, coconut shrimp, salmon serrano, cucumber black sesame) and was really happy with it. We also got also got 2 sets of California rolls for the girls. My brother's Everything Bagel hand roll was a fun surprise. It tasted just like one. We finished with the Lemon Curd Churros- fresh, hot, and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. The curd was a little on the firm side, but still good. Everyone left full and delighted. NOTES/TIPS: **BYOB, Wheelchair-accessible. Clean bathrooms. Modern vibes. **Entire menu is gluten-free **Vegan options available if you ask, plus a strong plant-based roll selection **Plan for ~5 hand rolls per person (including the kids) **Several parking decks a block or two away

    Wabi Sabi

    Wabi Sabi

    (347 reviews)

    $$$

    Wabi Sabi by far is one of the best sushi restaurants in New Jersey!…read more As a restaurant owner myself, I know how much work goes on behind the scenes to create a great dining experience -- and this sushi spot is doing it right. The fish was incredibly fresh, the rolls were well balanced, and everything came out looking as good as it tasted. What stood out to me most was the consistency and attention to detail. The staff was friendly, service flowed smoothly, and the atmosphere made it easy to relax and enjoy the meal. It's always nice to support places that clearly care about their craft. If you love good sushi, this restaurant is absolutely worth a visit. I'm already looking forward to coming back.

    If you are a true sushi purist, you know that the best experiences often hide behind the most…read moreunassuming storefronts. This place is the definition of a hidden gem--a masterclass in traditional sushi sitting quietly on a culinary wasteland of a street. The commitment to quality here is staggering. This isn't your standard neighborhood joint slinging spicy mayo rolls; the seafood here boasts absolute freshness, with rare fish flown in weekly directly from Japan. You will find cuts here that are nearly impossible to source at standard sushi restaurants, elevating the experience to something you'd typically only find at an exclusive omakase counter. Let's talk about the tuna. The vast majority of sushi spots try to pass off cheap, frozen yellowfin as a premium offering. Not here. They source incredibly high-quality Spanish Bluefin--the exact same caliber of fish utilized by Michelin-starred establishments. What truly sets them apart is their ability to offer the complete trinity of bluefin cuts: the deep, ruby-red lean akami, the perfectly marbled chu-toro, and the rich, melt-in-your-mouth o-toro. The menu reads like a love letter to the ocean. Finding high-grade yellowtail belly can be a challenge, but here, it is a staple of exceptional quality. For those with an adventurous and educated palate, the chefs regularly feature incredibly hard-to-find selections like itoyori (golden threadfin bream), mejina (opaleye), and a luxuriously rich fatty bonito. The uni deserves its own paragraph. Sea urchin can be a gamble at lesser restaurants, but here it is pristine. On any given night, you might be lucky enough to find both creamy California uni and the briny, delicate Hokkaido uni available for side-by-side comparison. Another testament to their traditional approach and culinary respect is how they utilize the week's fresh catch to craft a warm, incredibly tasty fish head soup. It is a deeply comforting, umami-rich broth that extracts every ounce of flavor from the premium seafood they bring in, showcasing a level of authenticity you rarely see anymore. While the menu does offer French-inspired dishes and various hot kitchen items, let me be clear: you are here for the sushi. The hot food isn't bad by any means, but if you truly want a culinary experience, do not waste precious stomach space on it. You are here for the raw fish. The singular exception to this rule is the pork gyoza--they are remarkably juicy and absolutely worth the order. Do not skip dessert. In many sushi restaurants, desserts are an afterthought, but here they are top-notch and entirely homemade. The Japanese flan is impossibly silky and decadent. However, the true star is the crème brûlée cheesecake--it is remarkably smooth, slicing effortlessly at the touch of a fork, with a deeply satisfying flavor profile that entirely avoids being overly sweet. I have to address the elephant in the neighborhood: this place absolutely destroys Morimoto down the street. Morimoto has become a tourist trap resting on a recognizable name, employing inexperienced chefs to cater to the sheep-like masses who prioritize a flashy dining room over authentic taste. If you actually understand and respect true sushi, you skip the theatrical nonsense down the street and come here. Let's also be brutally honest about the price point: excellence comes at a premium. This is an uncompromising, high-end culinary experience, and the bill reflects the quality of ingredients flown in from Japan. If you are a bargain hunter, looking for cheap eats, or aren't willing to pay for top-tier craftsmanship, save your time and look elsewhere. This establishment is for serious diners who understand the value of good sushi and aren't just looking for a good enough "AYCE" experience.

    Minoru - japanese - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...